San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said the team has not heard from C Nick Hardwick as to whether he will return or decide to retire. Telesco said the team expects Hardwick to play next season until they are told otherwise.

San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said C Nick Hardwick (concussion, stinger) is going through the concussion protocol this week and has not been cleared to play in the divisional round game this weekend.

San Diego Chargers C Nick Hardwick (concussion) watched practice Sunday, Aug. 26, on the field for the first time since suffering a concussion Tuesday, Aug. 21. "I'm confident he'll be ready when we need him," head coach Norv Turner said.